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Traditionally derived from a Proto-Indo-European *h₁égʰi- with cognates including Sanskrit अहि(áhi), Avestan 𐬀𐬲𐬌‎(aži) and Old Armenian իժ(iž). However, the letter chi (χ) is expected to derive from a palatal consonant (ǵ) and so these terms are now generally connected with ὄφις(óphis), leaving the origins of ἔχις a mystery. Some now consider this a taboo corruption of Proto-Indo-European *h₁ógʷʰi-, *h₁égʷʰi-.